Sector Outline
In recent years, marine science and oceanography seem to have become synonyms, although this issue is still up for debate. However, marine conservation has grown in scope but is still considered a sub sector of marine science, as is the sub sector of marine biology. It is helpful to explore the different terms within the sector and their definitions.
Educalingo.com (2020) brings several terms into its definition:
‘Oceanography, also known as oceanology and marine science, is the branch of Earth science that studies the ocean. It covers a wide range of topics, including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor; and fluxes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. These diverse topics reflect multiple disciplines that oceanographers blend to further knowledge of the world ocean and understanding of processes within: astronomy, biology, chemistry, climatology, geography, geology, hydrology, meteorology and physics.’
Science Daily offers a definition for marine conservation:
‘Marine conservation, also known as marine resources conservation, is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas. Marine conservation focusses on limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, and on restoring damaged marine ecosystems. Marine conservation also focusses on preserving vulnerable marine species.’
The MarineBio Conservation Society define marine biology as:
‘marine biology is the study of life in the oceans and other saltwater environments such as estuaries and wetlands…The study of marine biology includes a wide variety of disciplines such as astronomy, biological oceanography, cellular biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, meteorology, molecular biology, physical oceanography and zoology and the new science of marine conservation biology draws on many longstanding scientific disciplines such as marine ecology, biogeography, zoology, botany, genetics, fisheries biology, anthropology, economics and law.’
National Geographic (2019) defines oceanography:
‘Oceanography applies chemistry, geology, meteorology, biology, and other branches of science to the study of the ocean. It is especially important today as climate change, pollution, and other factors are threatening the ocean and its marine life.’
Environmentalscience.org, in their article ‘What is an Oceanographer?’ outline different elements within oceanography:
‘An oceanographer is a…scientist who studies the ocean…
Many discoveries made in the field of oceanography are the product of multidisciplinary and comprehensive efforts involving oceanographers from all from branches of the science.
Marine biologists are oceanographers that study marine ecosystems and their inhabitants. This can involve working with research animals or taking trips into the ocean to perform different experiments, collect data, or track the animals.
Physical oceanographers are more concerned with studying the movements of the oceans, in the waves and currents and tides that move the water itself.
Chemical oceanographers monitor the chemical composition of the ocean water to better understand how they shape the planet. They may study pollution or help find naturally occurring resources on the seafloor.
Geological oceanographers focus on studying the ocean's floor. They may study undersea volcanic activity and its relation to the movement of tectonic plates or the deep oceanic trenches.’
There are opportunities to work in marine science across the globe as all countries with coastal waters have ecosystems, species and biodiversity requiring protection and management. Often these ecosystems contain habitats and species that are shared with adjacent countries meaning these countries need to work together to protect and manage them. Marine science involves assessing (surveys and monitoring), understanding (research and analysis), protecting, managing and restoring (conservation actions, resource and biodiversity management plans), the richness and biodiversity of the seas and oceans.
A key part of marine science is sustainable natural resource use particularly in relation to fisheries, extraction of fossil fuels and minerals as well as activities like shipping, tourism and other social and human science aspects. The oceans play a key role in climate regulation and biogeochemical cycles which are vital for all life on Earth, as well as providing a range of other ecosystem services.
Key anthropogenic (manmade) threats to the marine environment include;
Career and Job Links
UK
Marine Biological Association
www.mba.ac.uk
Marine Conservation Society
www.mcsuk.org
Marine Management Organisation
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation
IMarEST, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
www.imarest.org
Prospects job profiles
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/marine-scientist
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/oceanographer
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/environmental-education-officer
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/environmental-consultant
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/environmental-manager
Europe
EurOcean - The European Centre for information on Marine Science and Technology
www.eurocean.org/np4/home
MareNet ‘Marine Research Institutions in Europe’
www.marenet.de/MareNet/europe.html
European Marine Biological Research Centre (EMBRC-ERIC)
www.embrc.eu
European Marine Board
www.marineboard.eu
European Commission ‘Marine and Coast - Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts’
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/research/index_en.htm
Asia
MareNet ‘Marine Research Institutions in Asia’
www.marenet.de/MareNet/asia.html
Ryan Martinson, The Jamestown Foundation China Brief Volume: 19 Issue: 2 ‘Assessing the Future of Chinese Sea Power: Insights from the “Marine Science and Technology Award”’
www.jamestown.org/program/assessing-the-future-of-chinese-sea-power-insights-from-the-marine-science-and-technology-award
Fuze Ecoteer
www.fuze-ecoteer.com/conservation-jobs-in-asia
Africa
African Conservation
www.africanconservation.org/jobs
MareNet ‘Marine Research Institutions in Africa’
www.marenet.de/MareNet/africa.html
UNESCO-IOC. (2009) ‘African Oceans and Coasts’ Odido M. and Mazzilli S. (Eds). IOC Information Document, 1255, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Technology in Africa
www.unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000185095
Paul Kimanzi, ScienceAfrica (2020) ‘Advancing Marine Science: Ocean Literacy is Crucial for Future Generation’
www.scienceafrica.co.ke/advancing-marine-science-ocean-literacy-is-crucial-for-future-generation
Cochrane KL, Sauer WHH, Aswani S. Science in the service of society: Is marine and coastal science addressing South Africa’s needs?
S Afr J Sci. 2019;115(1/2), Art. #4418, 7 pages. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2019/4418
North America
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
www.aslo.org/who-we-are-summary
Marine Conservation Institute
www.marine-conservation.org
www.marine-conservation.org/who-we-are/jobs/career-resources
MarineBio Conservation Society:
Marine Biology Degree Programs in the U.S. (by State)
www.marinebio.org/careers/us-schools
Sea Grant guide to marine careers
www.marinecareers.net
Sea Grant Internship Opportunities
www.seagrant.noaa.gov/Students/Internships
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Job Board
www.wfscjobs.tamu.edu/job-board
Ocean Conservation Society
www.oceanconservation.org
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
www.whoi.edu
South America
University of Texas at Austin Latin American Network Information Center ‘Marine Studies’
www.lanic.utexas.edu/la/region/marine
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) (2018) ‘Latin American and Caribbean countries champion marine conservation’
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/latin-american-and-caribbean-countries-champion-marine-conservation
The Pew Charitable Trusts (2020) ‘Scientist Tackles Plastic Waste Along Latin America’s Pacific Shores’
www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/04/09/scientist-tackles-plastic-waste-along-latin-americas-pacific-shores
Latin American Fishery Fellows (LAFF) program
www.sfg.msi.ucsb.edu/share/latin-american-fishery-fellows-program
The Ocean Foundation (2020) ‘The Ocean Foundation and University of Havana’s Marine Research Center: 21 Years of Science, Discovery, and Friendship’
www.oceanfdn.org/the-ocean-foundation-and-university-of-havanas-marine-research-center-21-years-of-science-discovery-and-friendship
Oceania
Australian Institute of Marine Science
www.aims.gov.au
Marine Science Australia
www.ausmarinescience.com
National Marine Science Committee
www.marinescience.net.au
OceanWatch Australia
www.oceanwatch.org.au
www.oceanwatch.org.au/latest-news/marine-science/6-australian-marine-science-trail-blazers-who-are-women
Australian Marine Sciences Association Inc. (AMSA)
www.amsa.asn.au
Australian Marine Parks ‘Marine science program’
www.parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/management/programs/marine-science
New Zealand Marine Sciences Society (NZMSS)
www.nzmss.org
Rebecca Jarvis and Tim Young, The Conversation (2019) ‘Study identifies nine research priorities to better understand NZ’s vast marine area’
www.theconversation.com/study-identifies-nine-research-priorities-to-better-understand-nzs-vast-marine-area-119547
Global
Worldfishing.net - Global Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisations
www.worldfishing.net/directory/categories/organisations
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (2015) ‘Transfer of marine technology: knowledge sharing and capacity development for sustainable ocean and coastal management’
www.unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000232586
UN - National Governmental Agencies that Deal with Oceans and the Law of the Sea
www.un.org/depts/los/Links/Gov-Agency.htm
UN World Oceans Day
www.unworldoceansday.org
Seven Seas Media – Marine Conservation Jobs
www.sevenseasmedia.org/marine-conservation-jobs
Open Channels - the community hub for sustainable ocean management and conservation
www.openchannels.org
Women in Ocean Science (WOS)
www.womeninoceanscience.com
Wise Oceans
www.wiseoceans.com/jobs
The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
www.conbio.org
Earthworks Jobs
www.earthworks-jobs.com/oceanogr.htm
International Maritime Organization
www.imo.org
In recent years, marine science and oceanography seem to have become synonyms, although this issue is still up for debate. However, marine conservation has grown in scope but is still considered a sub sector of marine science, as is the sub sector of marine biology. It is helpful to explore the different terms within the sector and their definitions.
Educalingo.com (2020) brings several terms into its definition:
‘Oceanography, also known as oceanology and marine science, is the branch of Earth science that studies the ocean. It covers a wide range of topics, including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor; and fluxes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. These diverse topics reflect multiple disciplines that oceanographers blend to further knowledge of the world ocean and understanding of processes within: astronomy, biology, chemistry, climatology, geography, geology, hydrology, meteorology and physics.’
Science Daily offers a definition for marine conservation:
‘Marine conservation, also known as marine resources conservation, is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas. Marine conservation focusses on limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, and on restoring damaged marine ecosystems. Marine conservation also focusses on preserving vulnerable marine species.’
The MarineBio Conservation Society define marine biology as:
‘marine biology is the study of life in the oceans and other saltwater environments such as estuaries and wetlands…The study of marine biology includes a wide variety of disciplines such as astronomy, biological oceanography, cellular biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, meteorology, molecular biology, physical oceanography and zoology and the new science of marine conservation biology draws on many longstanding scientific disciplines such as marine ecology, biogeography, zoology, botany, genetics, fisheries biology, anthropology, economics and law.’
National Geographic (2019) defines oceanography:
‘Oceanography applies chemistry, geology, meteorology, biology, and other branches of science to the study of the ocean. It is especially important today as climate change, pollution, and other factors are threatening the ocean and its marine life.’
Environmentalscience.org, in their article ‘What is an Oceanographer?’ outline different elements within oceanography:
‘An oceanographer is a…scientist who studies the ocean…
Many discoveries made in the field of oceanography are the product of multidisciplinary and comprehensive efforts involving oceanographers from all from branches of the science.
Marine biologists are oceanographers that study marine ecosystems and their inhabitants. This can involve working with research animals or taking trips into the ocean to perform different experiments, collect data, or track the animals.
Physical oceanographers are more concerned with studying the movements of the oceans, in the waves and currents and tides that move the water itself.
Chemical oceanographers monitor the chemical composition of the ocean water to better understand how they shape the planet. They may study pollution or help find naturally occurring resources on the seafloor.
Geological oceanographers focus on studying the ocean's floor. They may study undersea volcanic activity and its relation to the movement of tectonic plates or the deep oceanic trenches.’
There are opportunities to work in marine science across the globe as all countries with coastal waters have ecosystems, species and biodiversity requiring protection and management. Often these ecosystems contain habitats and species that are shared with adjacent countries meaning these countries need to work together to protect and manage them. Marine science involves assessing (surveys and monitoring), understanding (research and analysis), protecting, managing and restoring (conservation actions, resource and biodiversity management plans), the richness and biodiversity of the seas and oceans.
A key part of marine science is sustainable natural resource use particularly in relation to fisheries, extraction of fossil fuels and minerals as well as activities like shipping, tourism and other social and human science aspects. The oceans play a key role in climate regulation and biogeochemical cycles which are vital for all life on Earth, as well as providing a range of other ecosystem services.
Key anthropogenic (manmade) threats to the marine environment include;
- Pollution - from industry, agriculture and domestic (sewage) sources resulting in poor water quality, over enrichment with nutrients (eutrophication which can lead to toxic algal blooms), deoxygenation, altered chemistry (pH, salinity), increased suspended sediment loads.
- Ocean warming - leading to altered geographic ranges and abundances of marine and coastal species.
- Ocean acidification – which causes calcium carbonate shells of marine organisms (plankton, shellfish, biogenic reefs) to dissolve.
- Sea level rise – resulting in loss of intertidal habitats (fish nursery grounds, bird breeding and feeding grounds) and natural sea defences for coastal communities.
- Plastic pollution – physical presence of plastics and microplastics in oceans and seas as well as the entanglement of, and ingestion by, marine fauna (e.g. birds, marine mammals, fish, turtles). These also contribute to the presence of microplastics as they degrade.
- Introduction / spread of non-native species, disease and pathogens – these often outcompete and displace native species.
- Loss of species - due to overexploitation of fish and shellfish and direct and indirect take in fisheries (sharks, turtles, marine mammals, birds).
- Loss of coastal habitats due to tourism developments and aquaculture.
Career and Job Links
UK
Marine Biological Association
www.mba.ac.uk
Marine Conservation Society
www.mcsuk.org
Marine Management Organisation
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation
IMarEST, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
www.imarest.org
Prospects job profiles
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/marine-scientist
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/oceanographer
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/environmental-education-officer
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/environmental-consultant
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/environmental-manager
Europe
EurOcean - The European Centre for information on Marine Science and Technology
www.eurocean.org/np4/home
MareNet ‘Marine Research Institutions in Europe’
www.marenet.de/MareNet/europe.html
European Marine Biological Research Centre (EMBRC-ERIC)
www.embrc.eu
European Marine Board
www.marineboard.eu
European Commission ‘Marine and Coast - Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts’
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/research/index_en.htm
Asia
MareNet ‘Marine Research Institutions in Asia’
www.marenet.de/MareNet/asia.html
Ryan Martinson, The Jamestown Foundation China Brief Volume: 19 Issue: 2 ‘Assessing the Future of Chinese Sea Power: Insights from the “Marine Science and Technology Award”’
www.jamestown.org/program/assessing-the-future-of-chinese-sea-power-insights-from-the-marine-science-and-technology-award
Fuze Ecoteer
www.fuze-ecoteer.com/conservation-jobs-in-asia
Africa
African Conservation
www.africanconservation.org/jobs
MareNet ‘Marine Research Institutions in Africa’
www.marenet.de/MareNet/africa.html
UNESCO-IOC. (2009) ‘African Oceans and Coasts’ Odido M. and Mazzilli S. (Eds). IOC Information Document, 1255, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Technology in Africa
www.unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000185095
Paul Kimanzi, ScienceAfrica (2020) ‘Advancing Marine Science: Ocean Literacy is Crucial for Future Generation’
www.scienceafrica.co.ke/advancing-marine-science-ocean-literacy-is-crucial-for-future-generation
Cochrane KL, Sauer WHH, Aswani S. Science in the service of society: Is marine and coastal science addressing South Africa’s needs?
S Afr J Sci. 2019;115(1/2), Art. #4418, 7 pages. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2019/4418
North America
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
www.aslo.org/who-we-are-summary
Marine Conservation Institute
www.marine-conservation.org
www.marine-conservation.org/who-we-are/jobs/career-resources
MarineBio Conservation Society:
Marine Biology Degree Programs in the U.S. (by State)
www.marinebio.org/careers/us-schools
Sea Grant guide to marine careers
www.marinecareers.net
Sea Grant Internship Opportunities
www.seagrant.noaa.gov/Students/Internships
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Job Board
www.wfscjobs.tamu.edu/job-board
Ocean Conservation Society
www.oceanconservation.org
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
www.whoi.edu
South America
University of Texas at Austin Latin American Network Information Center ‘Marine Studies’
www.lanic.utexas.edu/la/region/marine
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) (2018) ‘Latin American and Caribbean countries champion marine conservation’
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/latin-american-and-caribbean-countries-champion-marine-conservation
The Pew Charitable Trusts (2020) ‘Scientist Tackles Plastic Waste Along Latin America’s Pacific Shores’
www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/04/09/scientist-tackles-plastic-waste-along-latin-americas-pacific-shores
Latin American Fishery Fellows (LAFF) program
www.sfg.msi.ucsb.edu/share/latin-american-fishery-fellows-program
The Ocean Foundation (2020) ‘The Ocean Foundation and University of Havana’s Marine Research Center: 21 Years of Science, Discovery, and Friendship’
www.oceanfdn.org/the-ocean-foundation-and-university-of-havanas-marine-research-center-21-years-of-science-discovery-and-friendship
Oceania
Australian Institute of Marine Science
www.aims.gov.au
Marine Science Australia
www.ausmarinescience.com
National Marine Science Committee
www.marinescience.net.au
OceanWatch Australia
www.oceanwatch.org.au
www.oceanwatch.org.au/latest-news/marine-science/6-australian-marine-science-trail-blazers-who-are-women
Australian Marine Sciences Association Inc. (AMSA)
www.amsa.asn.au
Australian Marine Parks ‘Marine science program’
www.parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/management/programs/marine-science
New Zealand Marine Sciences Society (NZMSS)
www.nzmss.org
Rebecca Jarvis and Tim Young, The Conversation (2019) ‘Study identifies nine research priorities to better understand NZ’s vast marine area’
www.theconversation.com/study-identifies-nine-research-priorities-to-better-understand-nzs-vast-marine-area-119547
Global
Worldfishing.net - Global Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisations
www.worldfishing.net/directory/categories/organisations
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (2015) ‘Transfer of marine technology: knowledge sharing and capacity development for sustainable ocean and coastal management’
www.unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000232586
UN - National Governmental Agencies that Deal with Oceans and the Law of the Sea
www.un.org/depts/los/Links/Gov-Agency.htm
UN World Oceans Day
www.unworldoceansday.org
Seven Seas Media – Marine Conservation Jobs
www.sevenseasmedia.org/marine-conservation-jobs
Open Channels - the community hub for sustainable ocean management and conservation
www.openchannels.org
Women in Ocean Science (WOS)
www.womeninoceanscience.com
Wise Oceans
www.wiseoceans.com/jobs
The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
www.conbio.org
Earthworks Jobs
www.earthworks-jobs.com/oceanogr.htm
International Maritime Organization
www.imo.org
